Recently, we discussed the importance of creating content.

We talked about how good content fosters a deep connection between you and your audience.  It gives your audience so much that when you do make an ask, when you do attempt to make a sale, your chances of success are much greater.

Why?

Because people do business with people — people that they can trust.  Developing that trust takes time.  But, if you’re in business for the long haul, it’s a worthwhile and fulfilling pursuit.

Well crafted content cultivates trust (and subsequently sales) by offering:

• information
• entertainment
• inspiration
• some combination of the above

OK — so we’ve got that established.  But how do you know what content to put out and when?

Introducing…

The Editorial Calendar

An editorial calendar is exactly how it sounds.  It’s a calendar that tells you what to say and when to say it.

Of course, you (or a Content Manager) need to populate the document with the topics.  But, once it’s laid out, you have a really great reference point to work from.

You’ll never find yourself at a loss for ideas or scrambling to decide what to share with your audience.

Simply look at the calendar and write about what’s scheduled.

Personally, I know what I’m going to write about for the next 2-3 months.  For my clients, I offer up to a full year plan.

It should be based on whatever works best for your situation.

There are many free templates out there to get you started.  This one from HubSpot is pretty neat and fully customizable.

Personally, I just keep a running list of drafts in WordPress.  The point is, creating a system for organizing your post ideas is key.  It will alleviate a lot of stress and make you more effective in the long run.

Now, you may be thinking: that’s great and all — but how do you decide what to put into the calendar?

That depends.  It really comes down to knowing your industry, your business, and your audience.

Which brings us to…

Assess Your Content Needs & Opportunities

When planning what content to include on your editorial calendar, consider the following:

• Recurring themes, problems, and questions in your industry
• What concerns or thoughts your audience/customers continuously bring up
• What wins your audience/customers have had as a result of doing business with you
• Special (but relevant) events in your industry, your business, or local area
• Complementary ideas

Let’s look at each in turn.

Recurring Industry Themes/Problems/Questions

This can be a goldmine for content ideas.

What are the key issues, concerns, and questions popping up over and over in your market?

Jot them down.  Categorize them.  Rank them in order of importance to your audience.  (Not sure what the key issues in your market are or how they rank?  It’s time for some market research — but that’s a topic for another time.)

For example, in market research that I did, I found that many content creators and business owners are unsure what to present to their audience and when to do it.  That’s why this post was born!

As another example, say Bob has a Human Resources consulting firm.  Doing this exercise, he brainstorms (and reviews his market research) to determine that some of the biggest concerns in his market are:

• Health Care Reform
• Diversity in the Workplace
• Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
• When to Call an Employment Attorney

While all of these issues will provide great fodder for blog posts and newsletters, he decides that he’s going to start with #4, jump to #1, and then tackle #2 as a lead-in for #3.

This is all based on his understanding of what his audience needs and wants.

Because your market and your audience are dynamic, you should work to stay in tune with the trends.

Conduct regular market research and continue to have open dialogues with folks in your community.

Concerns Your Audience/Customers Have Brought Up

The section above deals with overarching trends that you’ve noted from research and experience.

You can apply the same process to what you’ve been told directly by people that currently have a relationship with you and your brand.

Write down the ideas and inquiries that seem to come up all of the time.  If you need clarity or additional information, ask your tribe.

If you listen, your audience will tell you what they need and want to hear.  This is more powerful than a survey.

This is live advice.  This is coming from people who are already paying you (or who may in the future).

To be frank, only a fool would overlook this invaluable feedback.

Wins Your Audience/Customers Have Had From Doing Business with You

Talking about your customer’s wins is mutually beneficial.

They’ll get some PR for their business.  And you’ll get to showcase that what you sell works.

This is a testimonial on steroids.

This is a story that shows your customer’s now former problem (that other prospective customers can relate to) being solved by your amazing solution.

Of course, anything self-promotional should be peppered in sparingly with value-based content.  But why only toot your own horn?

Having your clients do it will be much more effective.  If you wow them enough with your service, they’ll likely want to help you out with this.

Special Events

Does your industry have its own day?  Think: National Donut Day (which is June 7th, by the way…)

Are there tradeshows, association events, annual meetings?

These types of events can be the basis for several posts.  You can write in anticipation of the event.  You can provide timely updates during the event.  Finally, you can offer lessons learned and reflections after the event.

Don’t overlook these content opportunities!

Complementary Ideas

If you’ve got a donut shop, you’re going to want to yell about National Donut Day from the rooftop.

But, what goes great with donuts?  Coffee.

You should consider adding coffee-related content to your blog and newsletter to give your readers deeper and more varied content.

This tactic can work especially well if you’re feeling underwhelmed by the number of topic ideas you have scheduled.

It can also be a great way to collaborate with other content creators and business owners who are experts in the complementary field(s).

Don’t Over Plan

Yes, that’s a thing!

While your editorial calendar will help you stay focused, communicate vital information to your community, and alleviate the stress of figuring out what to post, it’s written in pencil.

You can deviate from it.

In fact, spontaneous content can be extremely effective.

Consumers of your content are connected to you.  So if you have an interesting story from your life (that you couldn’t possibly plan for) come up, by all means, share it in real time.

Impromptu posting is also appropriate when an unexpected change happens in your industry.

Or, when you plain old forget to include something vital in your planning.  (Hey, you’re human!)

Final Thoughts

There is A LOT involved in having an online business — or even an online presence for an offline business.  It can be hard to keep up.

The last thing you want to do is waste time and stress out needlessly trying to decide what to write about.

A well thought out editorial calendar solves this problem nicely.

Just remember — you created it, and you can override it any time you want!

Tell me: Do you use an editorial calendar?  Why or why not?

Finally, here is my plug: If you need help creating an editorial calendar, I’d be happy to discuss it with you!

Email me any time: laura@everydaybythelake.com